Songwriters, composers, and lyricists are “self-administered” if they have retained the right to register any of their own musical works with The MLC AND collect their own mechanical royalties either directly or through a business manager, accountant, lawyer, or other representative/agent.
Songwriters, composers, and lyricists who have assigned their rights to register their musical works and collect their mechanical royalties in the United States to a music publisher or publishing administrator, do not need to become a Member of The MLC. Their publisher or publishing administrator will handle the collection and registration. If a songwriter, composer, or lyricist works with a music publisher or publishing administrator in any capacity, they should check with that music publisher or publishing administrator before becoming a Member of The MLC.